Maintaining brain sharpness as you age is closely tied to heart health, and the earlier you start, the better, according to a statement by the American Heart Association (AHA). Dr. Fernando Testai, a neurology professor, emphasized that a healthy lifestyle and managing vascular risk factors early can help reduce the chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With nearly 130 million U.S. adults affected by heart disease, adopting heart-healthy habits is critical.
Being well-rested boosts mood, improves energy and sharpens the brain.
Coronary heart disease, a leading global killer, also impacts brain function. The narrowing of arteries and conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can reduce brain blood flow, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Heart attacks and heart failure further elevate the risk of memory loss and thinking issues.
Experts stress that lifestyle changes—such as better sleep, a healthy diet, reducing stress, and regular exercise—are key to maintaining both heart and brain health. Exercise, especially, is considered vital to overall well-being and reducing dementia risk.
